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The UK has committed to actively participating in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz promptly, according to Sir Keir Starmer. Speaking at the G7 summit in France, Starmer highlighted that he and French President Emmanuel Macron were rallying nations willing to safeguard vessels passing through this critical oil transit route. The strait has been effectively closed by Iran since the outbreak of the war in February, severely impacting global energy supplies and prices.
Starmer emphasized the widespread consequences of the closure, noting how rising energy costs have affected households nationwide. While the specific terms of the US-Iran agreement intended to end hostilities remain undisclosed, US President Donald Trump stated that the strait would be reopened once the deal is finalized this week. Starmer described the agreement as “a really important breakthrough” and acknowledged its potential to positively influence economic stability worldwide. He underscored the united stance among G7 members that Iran must be prevented from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The UK is prepared to back the agreement through a defensive, multilateral mission aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation in the strait. This could include support for mine clearance operations if necessary. The government has already announced plans to deploy Typhoon fighter jets, drones, and the HMS Dragon warship as part of this initiative. Similarly, President Macron revealed that France might soon have fighter jets patrolling the strait and confirmed the presence of an aircraft carrier in the region. Macron also mentioned that around 20 countries had committed tangible contributions, with four stationed locally.
Meanwhile, President Trump expressed confidence that the US might not require extensive assistance to guarantee passage through the strait due to the new deal, though he did not oppose the idea of other nations contributing naval support. The conflict in the Middle East began following a series of attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, culminating in the killing of the Iranian supreme leader on 28 February. In retaliation, Iran launched assaults on Israel and Gulf allies and closed the Strait of Hormuz.
On a separate note, discussions at the G7 summit also revolved around the ongoing war in Ukraine. Sir Keir is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for bilateral talks. The UK government introduced a fresh round of 70 sanctions targeting Russia’s shadow shipping fleet, financial networks, and military supply routes, aiming to undermine Kremlin war efforts. Starmer remarked on the strong unity among G7 leaders regarding support for Ukraine, pointing to the country’s recent territorial gains and significant setbacks imposed on Russian forces.
Adding to tensions, the UK Ministry of Defence is investigating a reported incident in which a Russian warship allegedly fired warning shots near a UK-registered yacht in the English Channel between the Isle of Wight and Normandy. The vessel involved was identified as the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich. This event followed a recent operation where Royal Marine Commandos boarded one of Moscow’s “shadow fleet” oil tankers off southern England, though officials believe the two incidents are unrelated
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